US President Trump Says Iran Can be Taken Out Tuesday Night

U.S. president Donald Trump said the United States could “take out” Iran in one night amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. Trump made these comments in a press briefing, hours before a Tuesday 8 p.m. ET deadline tied to the Strait of Hormuz. The warning follows stalled negotiations, rising strikes, and a direct ultimatum to reopen the vital shipping route.

US-Iran War Deadline and Trump’s Threat

In the White House press briefing today, Donald Trump said the entire country could be destroyed overnight, adding that “that night might be tomorrow night.” He linked the threat directly to Iran’s refusal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 

Yesterday, Trump warned that failure to comply would lead to attacks on bridges and power plants. Notably, Trump set a firm deadline of Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET for Iran to act.  He said Tehran had made a proposal, but it did not meet his conditions. 

He added that without a deal acceptable to him, U.S. forces would act immediately. Trump further stated that the U.S. could destroy all Iranian bridges and disable power infrastructure within four hours. 

However, he said the administration does not want that outcome. He also repeated concerns about Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, stating it would not be allowed.

Importantly, Trump said any deal must guarantee free oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He told reporters that uninterrupted shipping remains a core U.S. demand. He added that even limited disruption could threaten global shipping routes.

Escalation Signals and Military Activity

Following Trump’s remarks on the U.S.-Iran war, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed a surge in military operations. He said Monday would see the largest number of strikes since the U.S.-Iran War began.  He added that Tuesday’s operations would exceed that level.

This comes after CoinGape reported that the White House stated ‘Operation Epic Fury’ continues as U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to sign off the 45-day U.S.-Iran war ceasefire. According to Pete Hegseth, the escalation forms part of a broader pressure strategy. 

He said Iran now faces a clear choice following intensified strikes. Meanwhile, Trump claimed U.S. forces have already weakened Iran’s military significantly. He said the U.S. had knocked out Iran’s navy, air force, and 158 ships within three days. 

However, he acknowledged uncertainty over Iran’s remaining mine capabilities. He warned that even a single mine could disrupt shipping in the Strait. Trump also said U.S. forces carried out over 10,000 combat flights in 37 days. 

He added that more than 13,000 targets have been struck. He noted one U.S. F-15 was recently downed, marking the first such loss.

Rescue Operations, Leaks, and Market Reaction

Trump reported a rescue mission involving 21 U.S. aircraft that retrieved stranded airmen in the U.S.-Iran war. He called the operation historic and said he authorized all necessary actions. However, he raised concerns about a media leak regarding a second pilot.

He said the leak complicated the rescue and confirmed authorities are investigating. Trump added that officials may compel the media outlet to reveal the source. He warned that refusal could lead to legal action on national security grounds.

Meanwhile, prediction markets data show low expectations for a near-term U.S.-Iran War ceasefire. According to Polymarket, odds for a deal by April 7, tomorrow, are at 3%. The probability rises to 15% by April 15 and 28% by April 30.

Source: Polymarket

Expectations increase further over time. The market shows 46% odds by May 31 and 56% by June 30. By December 31, traders assign a 76% chance of a ceasefire outcome.